Little did we know just how effective this turn out to would be. Unlike the older titles that limited the player to that of a ruler exclusively, however, Kingdoms VIII changes how the game works on a number of levels by altering the ways in which the player can participate. Gameplay Much as Romance VII opened up a world of possibilities by allowing users to assume the role of five different character varieties, Romance VIII allows players to select their destiny via six different class types. And what we get in return is not only the system's best strategy game to date, but further proof that the franchise still has a long life ahead of it. Much like Vice City was to GTA3, Kingdoms VIII manages to take all the great ideas from the previous title and refine them to an exact science. Though not quite the leap over its predecessor that VII was in terms of technology or additions, Romance VIII still weighs in as the most feature-rich installment of the bunch. Besides, how long can a terrific idea remain unchanged before falling victim to its own redundancy? To answer that question with a resounding 'never', KOEI has hit us hard with the PS2's second version of the franchise, Romance of the Three Kingdoms VIII.

And though its depth and scope have definitely enlarged over the 15 years since its initial inception, RoT3K is at its foundation, the same straightforward strategy/simulation title that kicked off the series so very long ago. But as software and technology has continued to improve, so too have our expectations. First released for PC and the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, Romance of the Three Kingdoms has quickly become one of the hobby's most respected franchises.

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